DTMF detector system and method which performs improved twist computation and thresholding

ABSTRACT

An improved dual tone multifrequency (DTMF) or multitone signal detector which more efficiently and reliably detects DTMF signals. The present invention performs twist computations only when the signal has become stable, thus achieving more accuracy and reliability. The DTMF detector receives a plurality of digital samples of a received signal and calculates energy values for each of the plurality of different uncorrelated frequencies. The DSP then determines maximum values of the energy values for each of the two or more frequency groups, referred to as M(1) and M(2), to detect the plurality of tones in the received signal. The DTMF detector then performs improved twist computation and thresholding. The DTMF detector first determines if the M(1) and M(2) values of the respective frame being examined have the same indices. If so, the DTMF detector compares each of the M(1) and M(2) values of the respective frame being examined with the M(1) and M(2) values of the immediately prior frame, referred to as M&#39;(1) and M&#39;(2), and determines if the M(1) and M(2) values of the current frame are greater than the M&#39;(1) and M&#39;(2) values of the prior frame. If the M(1) and M(2) values of the current frame are greater than the M&#39;(1) and M&#39;(2) values of the prior frame, then the DTMF detector calculates a twist value using the maximum energy values M(1) and M(2) for the current frame being examined.

CONTINUATION DATA

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 563,973, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 5,644,634, titled "System and Method for Dual Tone Multifrequency Detection Using Variable Frame Widths", and filed Nov. 29, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,644,634.

This is also a continuation of application Ser. No. 585,530, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,053, titled "DTMF Detector System and Method Which Performs Static and Dynamic Thresholding", and filed Jan. 11, 1996.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the detection of dual tone multifrequency coded signals, and more particularly to a DTMF detector which performs improved twist computations after the signals have become stable for improved accuracy and reliability.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Dual tone multifrequency (DTMF) coding is a generic name for push-button telephone signaling which is used in North American telephone systems. A DTMF signal is used for transmitting a phone number or the like from a push button telephone to a telephone central office. DTMF signaling is quickly replacing dial pulse signaling in telephone networks worldwide. In addition to telephone call signaling, DTMF coding is also becoming popular in interactive control applications, such as telephone banking, electronic mail systems, and answering machines, wherein the user can select options from a menu by sending DTMF signals from a telephone.

A dual tone signal is represented by two sinusoidal signals whose frequencies are separated in bandwidth and which are uncorrelated in order to avoid false tone detections. In general, normal speech patterns or noise signals produce a signal with energy distributed throughout the frequency band. In some cases, speech may have sufficient energy on both DTMF frequencies to trigger a false detection.

As noted above, a DTMF signal encoder generates a DTMF signal by adding together two sinusoidal signals. A DTMF signal includes one of four tones, each having a frequency in a low frequency band, and one of four tones, each having a frequency in a high frequency band. In current DTMF systems, the following frequencies are allocated for the four tones in the low frequency band: FA=697 Hz; FD=770 Hz; FC=852 Hz, and; FD=941 Hz; and the following frequencies are allocated for the four tones in high frequency band: FE=1209 Hz; FF=1336 Hz; FG=1447 Hz, and FH=1633 Hz. The frequencies used for DTMF encoding and detection are defined by the CCITT and are accepted around the world, thus allowing dialing compatibility throughout the world.

As DTMF signals travel down a transmission line, such as a telephone line, the signals may become distorted due to attenuation or to any number of other affects, such as channel noise, radiation, etc. In addition, in some instances, voice or speech signals are propagated down a telephone line simultaneously with DTMF signals in the same frequency bandwidth. Due to noise affects or speech, a DTMF signal can be missed by the detector, referred to as "talk-down". Also, speech can have a frequency domain content similar to a DTMF signal and trigger erroneous detection, this being referred to as a "talk-off" effect. Noise other than speech can also cause adverse effects, and the receiver thus is sometimes unable to discern which DTMF signal has been detected.

The CCITT and AT&T have promulgated various standards for DTMF detectors. These standards involve various criteria, such as frequency distortion allowance, twist allowance, noise immunity, guard time, talk-down, talk-off, acceptable signal to noise ratio, and dynamic range, etc. The distortion allowance criteria specifies that a DTMF detector is required to detect a transmitted signal that has a distortion allowance less than 1.5%. The term "twist" refers to the difference, in decibels, between the amplitude of the strongest key pad column tone and the amplitude of the strongest key pad row tone. For example, the AT&T standard requires the twist to be between -8 and +4 decibels. The noise immunity criteria requires that if the signal has a signal to noise ratio (SNR) greater than certain decibels, then the DTMF detector is required to not miss the signal, i.e., is required to detect the signal. The guard time check criteria requires that if a tone has a duration greater than 40 milliseconds, the DTMF detector is required to detect the tone, whereas if the tone has a duration less than 20 milliseconds, the DTMF detector is required to not detect the tone. Speech immunity refers to the ability of the DTMF detector to accurately distinguish DTMF tone signals from actual speech. As described earlier, "talk-off" and "talk-down" are two criteria for evaluating speech immunity of a DTMF detector.

Originally, DTMF signal generators and detectors utilized analog circuitry to generate and decode DTMF signals. However, with the rapid advance of VLSI technology and digital signal processing (DSP) technology, many DTMF systems are now employing digital signal processors for increased accuracy and cost efficiency. The advantages of a digital DTMF generation and detection system include improved accuracy, precision, stability, versatility and reprogrammability, as well as lower chip count. The advantages of a DSP implementation of a DTMF system are especially valid for a telephone company Central Office, where DTMF detection can be simultaneously performed on multiple telephone channels.

In general, a DTMF detector examines the line or communication channel for the presence of two sinusoids using dedicated frequency domain algorithms, including modified Goertzel algorithms, DFT/FFTs, auto-correlation, zero crossing counting, and narrow band filter-based methods, among others. Once the DTMF detector has detected two tones, the DTMF detector performs various tests to ensure that the detected tones meet the above criteria.

For example, prior art detectors have performed a twist computation in each frame. However, in many instances the transmitted tones are received or begin in the middle of a frame. Also, the tone from a first frequency group may arrive at an earlier or later time than the tone from the other frequency group. This combination of occurrences can lead to an erroneous twist computation, thus affecting signal detection. Therefore, an improved DTMF signal detector is desired which performs improved twist computations with reduced error.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises an improved dual tone multifrequency (DTMF) or multitone signal detector which more efficiently and reliably detects DTMF signals. The present invention performs twist computations only when the signal has become stable, thus achieving more accuracy and reliability.

The DTMF detector according to the present invention preferably includes a coder/decoder (codec) receiver which receives signals from the transmission media. The codec samples the received analog signals and produces digital signals, i.e., digital samples. The DTMF detector also includes a digital signal processor (DSP) coupled to the codec. The DSP receives the digital samples and preferably applies the Goertzel DFT algorithm or other frequency domain techniques. The present invention further includes a memory coupled to the DSP which is used by the DSP for temporary storage of data during processing (RAM), and retrieval of data such as filter coefficients (ROM).

According to the present invention, the DTMF detector receives a plurality of digital samples of a received signal, wherein the received signal may include a plurality of tones, such as a DTMF or MTMF (multiple tone multifrequency) signal. The received signals may include DTMF or MTMF tone signals and also may include one or more speech signals and/or noise. The plurality of tones comprise two or more tones from a plurality of different uncorrelated frequencies. In one embodiment, the plurality of different uncorrelated frequencies comprise two or more frequency groups.

After receiving the digital samples, the DTMF detector calculates a frequency spectrum of the plurality of digital samples for each of the plurality of different uncorrelated frequencies. The calculation produces an energy value for each of the different uncorrelated frequencies. After the frequency domain calculation, i.e., after energy values have been calculated for each of the different uncorrelated frequencies, and after any desired gain adjustment, the DSP determines maximum values of the energy values for each of the two or more frequency groups, referred to as M(1) and M(2), to detect the plurality of tones in the received signal. The DTMF detector then performs one or more types of thresholding to ensure valid tone detection.

The DTMF detector then performs improved twist computation and thresholding according to the present invention. The DTMF detector first determines if the M(1) and M(2) values of the respective frame being examined have the same indices, i.e., are associated with same frequencies as the M'(1) and M'(2) values from the prior frame. If so, the DTMF detector compares each of the M(1) and M(2) values of the respective frame being examined with the M(1) and M(2) values of the immediately prior frame, referred to as M'(1) and M'(2), and determines if the M(1) and M(2) values of the current frame are greater than the M'(1) and M'(2) values of the prior frame. If the M(1) and M(2) values of the current frame are greater than the M'(1) and M'(2) values of the prior frame, then the DTMF detector calculates a twist value using the maximum energy values M(1) and M(2) for the current frame being examined. If the M(1) and M(2) values of the current frame are not greater than the M'(1) and M'(2) values of the prior frame, then the DTMF detector sets the twist value for the current frame equal to the twist value from the prior frame.

After the twist value is determined, the DTMF detector compares the twist value with one or more threshold values to determine if the twist value is within an acceptable range. If so, and if other tests are satisfied, then the DTMF detector detects the plurality of tones in the received signal. If the twist value is not in an acceptable range, then the DTMF detector sets a twist error.

The present invention thus comprises a method for improving DTMF detection using improved twist computation and thresholding. This method provides more reliable twist computations than prior art methods, i.e., is more immune to transmission distortion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the present invention can be obtained when the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment is considered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the DTMF detector of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart diagram illustrating operation of the DTMF detector of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a plurality of filters in the DTMF detector of FIG. 1, which apply the Goertzel algorithm using a variable frame length according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates operation of the Goertzel algorithm;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating logic which finds the maximum gain in each group of detected tones;

FIG. 6 illustrates operation of static thresholding in the flowchart diagram of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 illustrates operation of the dynamic thresholding in the flowchart diagram of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 illustrates operation of the second harmonic energy threshold check in the flowchart of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 illustrates operation of guard time checking functions performed by in the flowchart of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 10 illustrates operation of twist checking functions in the flowchart of FIG. 2.

FIG. 11 illustrates the tones arriving at different times.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Incorporation by Reference

The following U.S. patents and references are hereby incorporated by reference:

U.S. Pat. No. 5,408,529 titled "Dual Tone Detector Operable in the Presence of Speech or Background Noise and Method Therefor"--Greaves, issued Apr. 18, 1995, is hereby incorporated by reference.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,428,680 titled "DTMF Signal Receiving Apparatus Equipped With a DTMF Signal Judging Circuit"--Murata et al., issued Jun. 27, 1995 is hereby incorporated by reference.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,257,309 titled "Dual Tone Multifrequency Signal Detection and Identification Methods and Apparatus"--Brandman et al., issued Oct. 26, 1993 is hereby incorporated by reference.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,353,345 titled "Method and Apparatus for DTMF Detection"--Galand, issued Oct. 4, 1994 is hereby incorporated by reference.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,426,696 titled "Method of Improving Receiver Sensitivity and Speech Immunity With DTMF-Reception"--Zimbrek, issued Jun. 20, 1995 is hereby incorporated by reference.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,325,427 titled "Apparatus and Robust Method for Detecting Tones"--Dighe, issued Jun. 29, 1994 is hereby incorporated by reference.

"Digital Signal Processing Applications Using the ADSP-2100 Family", from Analog Devices Corporation, Volume 1, Chapter 14, pages 441-500 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

DTMF Detector

The present invention comprises a DTMF detector which performs both static and dynamic thresholding according to the present invention. The DTMF detector is comprised in a digital telephone answering machine in the current embodiment. However, it is noted that the present invention may be used in various other applications, including telephone switching and interactive control applications, telephone banking, fax on demand, etc. The DTMF detector of the present invention may also be used as the DTMF detector in a telephone company Central Office, as desired.

The present invention was designed to meet CCITT and AT&T standards, although the invention can be reprogrammed or undergo minor modifications to meet other telecommunication standards. The preferred embodiment was developed to perform DTMF detection functions and preferably comprises a dual tone detector which detects two tones, wherein each tone is one of a plurality of predetermined tones from two respective frequency groups. However, the present invention may comprise a multi tone multi frequency (MTMF) detector for detecting a greater number of tones in a received signal, i.e., two or more tones. The two or more tones may be from two or more different frequency groups or from a single frequency group, as desired. Thus the system and method of the present invention may be used for detecting any number of tones in a received signal.

FIG. 1--Block Diagram

Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram of a DTMF detector 102 according to the present invention is shown. As shown, the DTMF detector 102 preferably comprises a port or connector or other means 103 for receiving analog or digital signals. The port 103 is adapted for coupling to a communications medium, such as a phone line, cable or other transmission line. It is noted that the port 103 may comprise any of various means or connectors for coupling to a communications line.

The DTMF detector 102 also preferably comprises a coder/decoder (codec) receiver 104 coupled to the port which receives an analog signal and converts the analog signal into digital format. The codec receiver 104 preferably samples the analog signal at 8 kHz and utilizes pulse code modulation (PCM) or other suitable techniques to produce corresponding digital data. The codec chip 104 preferably comprises linear analog to digital (A/D) converters and digital to analog (D/A) converters. The codec receiver 104 preferably comprises all the necessary A/D, D/A, sampling and filtering circuitry for bi-directional analog digital interfacing. Once analog to digital conversion has been performed, digital data or digital samples are generated based upon the analog signal.

It is noted that the received signal may be compressed or companded, and thus digital data produced by the A/D converter in the codec 104 may be companded, i.e., may comprise logarithmically compressed digital data. As is well-known in the art, companding refers to logarithmically compressing a signal at the source and expanding the signal at the destination to obtain a high end-to-end dynamic range while reducing dynamic range requirements within the communication channel. In this instance, the codec receiver 104 logarithmically expands the data to a linear format, preferably a 16 bit linear format.

In one embodiment, the port 103 in the DTMF detector 102 receives digital signals (i.e., linear or logarithmic PCM) directly from the communication channel or transmission media, and thus a codec 104 is not required in the DTMF detector 102 for analog to digital conversion.

The DTMF detector 102 also preferably includes a digital signal processor (DSP) 106 coupled to the codec 104. The DSP 106 is preferably from the ADSP-2100 family from Analog Devices, Inc. Other equivalent DSPs are acceptable, although a DSP that can perform 16×16 bit hardware multiplication is preferred for accuracy reasons. It is noted that a software multiplier may be used, although the operating speed will be significantly reduced. In the preferred embodiment, the DSP 106 and codec 104 are comprised on a single silicon chip.

The DSP 106 receives the digital samples and preferably applies frequency domain techniques, preferably the Goertzel DFT algorithm, using variable or differing frame lengths according to the present invention. The Goertzel DFT algorithm divides the sampled time domain signal into a plurality of discrete blocks or frames and then performs Fourier techniques on each frame to obtain energy values in the frequency domain for each of the possible tones. In the preferred embodiment, the DTMF detector 102 utilizes differing frame widths for different ones of the possible tone frequencies. In other words, the DTMF detector 102 utilizes differing frame widths for at least a plurality of the possible tone frequencies.

The DTMF detector 102 further includes a memory 108 coupled to the DSP which is used by the DSP 106 for storage and retrieval of data. Preferably, the memory comprises a RAM (random access memory) for processing storage and loading of program at the time of operation, and a ROM (read-only memory) for storage of fixed values, such as filter coefficients and other parameters used by the program. The program is also preferably stored in the ROM before loaded into RAM. The memory requirement for the DTMF detector alone is about 2.0 kbytes of ROM and 200 bytes of RAM. The memory requirement is architecturally dependent and also depends on implementation. It is noted that the memory 108 may comprise any of various types or sizes, as desired.

It is noted that the present invention may include a general purpose microprocessor instead of DSP 106. The present invention may also include dedicated digital and/or analog hardware instead of, or in addition to, the DSP 106. Thus, although the following description describes the DSP 106 performing the present invention, it is noted that the present invention may be performed by a general purpose microprocessor, or the present invention may be at least partially or totally implemented in digital or analog logic, as desired. The use of a programmable DSP 106 is the preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2--Flowchart Diagram

Referring now to FIG. 2, a flowchart diagram illustrating operation of the DTMF detector 102 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The DTMF detector 102 is coupled to a transmission media. As shown, the DTMF detector 102 receives an analog signal and determines whether dual tone multi frequency (DTMF) signals are comprised within the received signal. As shown, the received analog signal may comprise one or more of a DTMF signal, a speech or voice signal, or noise. In step 122, the codec 104 in the DTMF detector 102 receives the analog signal and converts the analog signal into digital format. In step 122 the codec receiver 104 preferably samples the analog signal at 8 kHz and performs pulse code modulation (PCM) or other suitable techniques to produce corresponding digital data. As shown, the codec receiver 104 produces a digital signal referred to as x(n), which is sampled at 8 kHz.

It is also noted that the received signal may be logarithmically compressed or companded, and thus step 122 may further comprise logarithmically expanding the compressed data to produce linear data.

The following comprises a brief description of steps 124-140, and a more detailed description of each of the steps follows. In step 124 the DSP 106 receives the digital signal x(n) from the codec 104 and performs the Goertzel DFT using differing frame lengths. In step 124 the DSP 106 produces a plurality of energy values A(m) where m=1-16. The plurality of energy values A(m) comprise energy values at each of the two sets of four frequency tones for the first and second harmonics of the frequencies. In step 126 the DSP 106 adjusts the gain of each of the energy values A(m) to compensate for differing energy content due to the differing frame lengths. The DSP 106 in step 126 produces a plurality of adjusted energy values A'(m). In step 128 the DSP 106 determines the maximum level of the energy values A'(m) in each frequency group.

In the following steps 130-138 the DSP 106 performs various tests to ensure valid tone detection. In steps 130 and 132 the DSP 106 performs static and dynamic thresholding, respectively, according to the present invention, to ensure that the energy values A'(m) meet certain basic criteria. The static and dynamic thresholding performed in steps 130 and 132 eliminate invalid DTMF tones based on both signal level and signal/noise ratio.

After static and dynamic thresholding are performed in steps 130 and 132, in step 134 the DSP 106 performs second harmonic thresholding to prevent detection triggered by speech. The DTMF detector of the present invention examines the second harmonics of the fundamental DTMF frequencies using a novel ratio comparison method, which further distinguishes speech signals from DTMF signals.

In step 136 the DSP performs a guard time check to evaluate the frequency domain results and to ensure that the signal lasts at least a certain amount of time. The guard time check evaluates the maximum energy values in relation to prior and subsequent frames for improved detection.

In step 138, the DSP performs twist computation and thresholding. The present invention uses a novel twist computation technique which only performs the twist computation when the received signal is deemed stable, thus increasing accuracy. After the twist computation is performed in step 138, in step 140 the DSP decodes the digit using the column and row indices and outputs the pressed DTMF digit from the received DTMF signals. As noted in FIG. 2, if any of the steps 130-140 fail, then no detection is indicated.

Step 124--Goertzel DFT with Variable Frame Lengths

Referring again to FIG. 2, in step 124 the DSP 106 receives the digital signal x(n) from the codec 104 and preferably performs the Goertzel DFT for each of the possible tone frequencies using varying or differing frame lengths. As discussed in the background section, decoding a DTMF signal involves detecting two tones in the received signal and then determining the number pressed by the user at the sending end based on the values of the detected tones. More generally, decoding a MTMF signal involves detecting a plurality of tones in the received signal. In the preferred embodiment, the system and method performs the Goertzel DFT for each of the possible tone frequencies using varying or differing frame lengths. However, it noted that any of various types of frequency domain methods, with or without differing frame widths, may be used as desired.

CCITT recommendations Q.23 and Q.24 in the "Red Book", Volume VI define two groups of frequencies that are used for in-band signaling. Group 1 comprises the frequencies 697 Hz, 770 Hz, 852 Hz, and 941 Hz, and these frequencies identify the rows of the telephone keypad, and Group 2 comprises the frequencies 1209 Hz, 1336 Hz, 1477 Hz and 1633 Hz, and these frequencies identify the columns of the telephone keypad. The DTMF signals each contain one row and one column frequency, and these signals are assigned using the following table.

                  TABLE 1                                                          ______________________________________                                         DTMF frequency assignments                                                              1209 Hz  1336 Hz    1477 Hz                                                                               1633 Hz                                    ______________________________________                                         697 Hz   1        2          3      A                                          770 Hz   4        5          6      B                                          852 Hz   7        8          9      C                                          941 Hz   *        0          #      D                                          ______________________________________                                    

The detection of the dual tones is performed by mathematically transforming the input time domain signal into the frequency domain using various Fourier transform techniques. As is well-known, the dicrete Fourier transform (DFT) is commonly used to transform discrete time domain signals into their discrete frequency domain components. As also noted in the background section, the Goertzel algorithm is a popular method for performing the DFT computation. The Goertzel algorithm offers the accuracy of a DFT-based calculation, while having increased computational efficiency that is comparable to narrow band filter-based algorithms.

In general, the conventional usage of the Goertzel algorithm is similar to the DFT method and is performed by computing frequency domain values at the desired discrete points. As a result, the Goertzel algorithm also has the disadvantage of the DFT, whereby the computed results may not be sufficiently close to the desired frequencies desired to be detected, thus severely reducing accuracy. This is referred to as the leakage effect. In other words, the DTMF detector 102 is desiged to detect dual tones which will occur at specified predefined frequencies. In the preferred embodiment, these frequencies are 697 Hz, 770 Hz, 852 Hz, 941 Hz, 1209 Hz, 1336 Hz, 1477 Hz, and 1633 Hz. The frequencies used in the DTMF standard are not spaced at equal increments but rather are deliberately designed to be uncorrelated for more accurate detection.

As a result, if the conventional method of a fixed N (frame size) is used in the Goertzel algorithm, the frequencies are not optimally aligned at the frequency bins. The effect is that the desired outputs are not exactly at the frequency bins (multiples of Fs/N). This causes the energy to be distributed among neighboring frequency bins, referred to as leakage. Leakage can severely degrade the accuracy of the frequency domain outputs. The following table illustrates the effect of leakage using an example of the Goertzel algorithm for DTMF frequency 852 Hz (N=205).

                  TABLE 2                                                          ______________________________________                                         The effect of leakage                                                          ______________________________________                                         error in K                                                                               0.01   0.05     0.1  0.5    1.0  5.0                                 (%)                                                                            output    94.0   80.6     74.7 60.9   49.6 43.6                                gain (dB)                                                                      output           >13.4    >19.3                                                                               >33.1  >44.4                                                                               >50.4                               error(dB)                                                                      ______________________________________                                          Note: K = N*f/fs                                                         

In general, it has been found that a fixed-frame size of 205 points produces the least error in a Goertzel/DFT computation. The inherent property of the DFT requires FNT to be equal to one, where F is the frequency domain resolution, N is the frame size in number of samples, and is also the computed number of outputs in the frequency domain, and T is the smallest period and equals 1/Fs, where Fs is the sampling frequency. In telephony applications, the period T is equal to 1/Fs=1/8000. Thus, in order to achieve sufficient resolution, the frame size N is required to be very large. As a result, detection of speech is generally slow and computational costs are higher for each result. Even worse, a large frame size may result in the detection speed not meeting telecommunications standards.

Therefore, prior art DTMF detectors which utilize the Goertzel algorithm and/or the DFT and which utilize a fixed frame size N only compute frequency domain values in multiples of Fs/N, wherein Fs is the sampling frequency, typically 8000 Hz for telephony applications. Therefore, for example, if Fs=8000 Hz and N=100 sample points, the Goertzel algorithm only computes results at 80 Hz, 160 Hz, 240 Hz, etc. Therefore, in summary, since the DTMF standard frequency values are designed to be uncorrelated, in general, no single frame size value N can be chosen which results in all of the desired frequencies lined up at the bins.

Therefore, the system of the preferred embodiment performs the Goertzel algorithm utilizing a varying or differing frame size N for a plurality of the DTMF frequencies to provide increased accuracy and efficiency. The DTMF detector 102 of the present invention preferably uses a different frame size for different DTMF tone frequencies and then adjusts the gain after the frequency domain values have been computed. This provides increased accuracy and speed over prior art methods. The DTMF detector 102 of the present invention provides better frequency distortion allowance and better twist allowance.

Referring again to FIG. 2, in step 124 the DSP 106 applies the Goertzel DFT method using different frame lengths. As shown, the DSP 106 receives a digital signal referred to as x(n), wherein the digital signal x(n) comprises a plurality of samples of a received signal. Referring now to FIG. 3, The DSP effectively computes 16 Goertzel DFTs with different frame lengths N(1)-N(16). The different frame lengths for each of the Goertzel DFTs are as follows:

N(1), N(9)=172;

N(2), N(10)=177;

N(3), N(11)=178;

N(4), N(12)=178;

N(5), N(13)=172;

N(6), N(14)=168

N(7), N(15)=168

N(8), N(16)=176

As shown in FIG. 3, the operation of the DSP is represented as 16 Goertzel DFT blocks labeled GDFT(1)-GDFT-(16). Each of the Goertzel GDFT blocks, GDFT (1)-GDFT (16) produces a respective value A(1)-A(16). The values A(1)-A(16) are comprised of four smaller sub-arrays. The values A(1)-A(16) are each provided to respective multipliers which multiplies the respective A(n) value with a respective gain. These multipliers correspond to the gain adjustment in step 126 of FIG. 2.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a diagram illustrating operation of the Goertzel algorithm is shown. As noted above, the Goertzel algorithm evaluates the DFT of input data with reduced computation and with increased efficiency. Operation of the Goertzel algorithm is similar to a filter implementation, wherein the Goertzel algorithm does not require a buffer of input data items prior to operation, but rather computes a new output result with each occurrence of a new input sample. As shown in FIG. 4, the Goertzel algorithm performs a second order recursive computation of the DFT by computing a new Yk(n) output for every new input sample x(n). The DFT result, referred to as X(k) is equivalent to Yk(n) when n=N, i.e., X(k)=Yk(N). As shown in FIG. 4, the operation of the Goertzel algorithm can be divided into two phases. The first phase involves computing the feedback legs in FIG. 4. The second phase computes the feed forward when n=N and thus evaluates the value X(k). As discussed above, in the preferred embodiment the DSP 106 performs the Goertzel algorithm shown in FIG. 4 using a different frame length for different ones of the DTMF frequency values.

After the Goertzel DFT is applied to the received digital signal using variable frame lengths in step 124, the result is a plurality of frequency spectra values A(m) corresponding to the 8 DTMF standard frequencies or tones for the first and second harmonics.

The following two tables compare the Goertzel algorithm implementation using a fixed frame size and a variable frame size. The first table below illustrates an example using N=205 as the fixed frame size and shows the K errors. It is noted that a fixed frame size of N=205 is the best possible selection and produces the least maximum error for all K values.

    K=N*f/fs=205* f/8000=0.025625 f

    ______________________________________                                         DTMF    K(floating         absolute error                                      frequency                                                                              point)   K (integer)                                                                              of K     % error of K                               ______________________________________                                          697 Hz 17.861   18        0.139    0.78%                                       770 Hz 19.731   20        0.269    1.36%                                       852 Hz 21.833   22        0.167    0.76%                                       941 Hz 24.113   24        0.113    0.47%                                      1209 Hz 30.981   31        0.019    0.06%                                      1336 Hz 34.235   34        0.235    0.69%                                      1477 Hz 37.848   38        0.152    0.40%                                      1633 Hz 41.846   42        0.154    0.37%                                      ______________________________________                                    

The transfer function for the Goertzel algorithm feed-back phase is ##EQU1## where

    z=e.sup.-j2πf/fs

which operates on every sample in the frame. At the end of the frame, a feed-forward phase is computed using:

    H.sub.2 (z)=1-W.sup.k.sub.N z.sup.-1 =1-e.sup.-j2πk/N ·z.sup.-1

Therefore, the overall transfer function for Goertzel algorithm is: ##EQU2##

This is a narrow band-pass filter and has very sharp transition. Based on the above information, it is very important to reduce the error of the K values. Based on the above information, it is very important to reduce the error of the K values.

As discussed above, the system and method of the present invention uses different N values for different frequencies. The table below describes the different N values or frame sizes used according to the preferred embodiment of the invention for the different DTMF tone frequencies. The table also illustrates the associated K errors:

    ______________________________________                                         Std. DTMF      K (floating       Absolute                                                                              % error of                             frequency                                                                              N      point)    K(integer)                                                                             error of K                                                                            K                                      ______________________________________                                          697 Hz 172    14.985    15      0.014  0.09%                                   770 Hz 177    17.036    17      0.036  0.20%                                   852 Hz 178    18.957    19      0.043  0.20%                                   941 Hz 178    20.937    21      0.063  0.30%                                  1209 Hz 172    25.993    26      0.007  0.02%                                  1336 Hz 168    28.056    28      0.056  0.20%                                  1477 Hz 168    31.017    31      0.017  0.05%                                  1633 Hz 176    35.926    36      0.074  0.20%                                  ______________________________________                                    

Using this method, the present invention reduces the K error to less than 0.3%, as compared with up to 1.36% for prior art methods using fixed N. In addition, the N values or frame sizes are reduced from 205 to 178 or less, which allows earlier detection by 15% or more. Therefore, the DSP 106 preferably uses up to 178 digital speech samples which are input to the Goertzel algorithm. A different number of these samples are used for the different tone frequencies. Application of the Goertzel algorithm produces an array of 16 frequency domain values, wherein the outputs are basically discrete Fourier transform results. Eight of these values are for the fundamental frequencies and eight are for the second harmonics. This is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4.

Most DFT/Goertzel based algorithms have difficulty meeting the required frequency distortion allowance. The frequency distortion allowance requires that all DTMF signals with a certain percentage of frequency distortion have to be detected as valid DTMF tones. However, if the distortion exceeds a certain larger percentage, then detection must be denied. The frequency distortion allowance criteria is described below.

Let Fdtmf a standard frequency and F is the actual frequency. Then:

if Fdtmf*(1-1.5%)<F<Fdtmf*(1+1.5%), then it is a valid tone

if F>Fdtmf*(1+3.5%) or F<Fdtmf*(1-3.5%) then it is not a valid tone.

One advantage of using variable or differing frame sizes is that the DTMF detector 102 more easily meets the required frequency distortion allowance. If the desired frequency is located exactly at the bin (the detecting frequency) of the Goertzel algorithm, then +2.5% error in the input frequency decreases the output the same amount as a -2.5% error in the signal. The reason is that both errors are at the same distance from the bin. This is not the case if the desired frequency has error relative to the bin, it being noted that error is unavoidable if a fixed frame size is used. For example, assume that the desired frequency is 2.0% bigger than the frequency bin. In this example, -2.0% error in the input signal moves the frequency nearer to the bin and generates the largest output result. On the other hand, +2.5% error moves the frequency further away from the bin and generates a very small output. The asymmetric effect makes it very difficult to set the threshold for frequency distortion allowance test, therefore not meeting the very stringent telecom standards. Significant computational resources are necessary to determine if an energy value is at the right side or left side of the frequency bin. Therefore, setting different thresholds for left and right side distortion, i.e., actual frequency greater or smaller than the desired frequency, is not an adequate solution.

Step 126--Gain Adjustment

In step 126 the DSP 106 preferably performs gain adjustment, as shown in FIG. 3. Calculating the frequency spectrum using different frame lengths N produces differing energy contents in a plurality of the energy values. Thus the DTMF detector 102 preferably multiplies a gain value with each of the energy values to adjust the gain of each of the energy values. It is noted that using differing frame widths provides better results even without gain adjustment. However, gain adjustment is desirable since different frame lengths have been applied to different frequencies and also because different Goertzel algorithm transfer functions have different gains at the narrow pass band. Thus the system and method of the preferred embodiment preferably adjusts the gain in order to more correctly evaluate the results in the array A 1 . . . 16!. After the gain adjustment in step 126, the result is a modified frequency spectra values A'(m).

The gains were computed and also verified using laboratory method. The gain adjustments used in the preferred embodiment are listed below:

    ______________________________________                                                Freq(Hz):                                                                             Gain factor:                                                     ______________________________________                                                697    1.00000000                                                              770    0.98902064                                                              852    0.97439963                                                              941    0.97849229                                                              1209   1.00475907                                                              1336   1.03484721                                                              1477   1.02940728                                                              1633   0.99550578                                                       ______________________________________                                    

In the preferred embodiment, the DTMF detector 102 does not use the second harmonic outputs for computing twist. Therefore, gain adjustment for the second harmonics is less important. Thus, in the preferred embodiment, gain adjustment for the second harmonics is not performed in order to save computational resources. Assuming the gain factor for frequency F1 is G1, then the gain adjustment is calculated by performing:

    A'(1)=G1*A(1)

This is performed on the first eight elements in the Goertzel output array A 1, . . . ,8!, i.e., the first harmonics, and a new array A' 1, . . . ,16! is generated. The new array comprises the gain adjusted Goertzel DFT output. It is noted that the array elements A 9 . . . 16! are not adjusted and thus these values remain the same, i.e., A' 9 . . . 16!=A 9 . . . 16!.

Step 128--Determining the Maximum Gain in Each Frequency Group

As noted above, the gain adjustment performed in step 126 produces four sub-arrays of the first and second harmonics of the row and column frequencies of the DTMF standard frequencies. In other words, the array A' 1, . . . ,16! is comprised of four smaller arrays. Sub-array A' 1, . . . ,4! comprises the values for the fundamental row frequencies and determines the row to which the pushed key belongs. Sub-array A' 5, . . . ,8! comprises the values for the fundamental column frequencies and determines the column to which the pushed key belongs. The sub-array A' 9, . . . ,12! comprises the DFT values for the second harmonics of the row frequencies, and the sub-array A' 13, . . . ,16! comprises the values for the second harmonics for the column frequencies.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a block diagram is shown illustrating operation of step 128 in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 5, operation of the DSP 106 is represented as four blocks 151, 152, 153, and 154, wherein each of the blocks determines the value in the respective sub-array that has the maximum value or gain. The blocks 151 and 152 for the two first harmonic sub-arrays also obtain the respective index of the maximum gain value. The blocks 151 and 152 for the sub-arrays A' 1, . . . ,4! and A' 5, . . . ,8! each provide outputs comprising the maximum value in the sub-array and the respective index. The blocks 153 and 154 for the sub-arrays A' 9, . . . ,12! and A' 13, . . . ,16! provide outputs comprising the respective maximum values in each of the sub-arrays.

Thus in step 128 the DSP 106 determines the maximum value in the first two sub-arrays and the respective indices within the sub-array. This step can be described using pseudo code: ##STR1##

Thus, in step 128 the DSP 106 obtains the maximum values of the row and column frequency group (M 1!, M 2!) and their respective index (I 1!, I 2!) for the first harmonic sub-arrays. In the preferred embodiment, the DSP 106 does not determine the indices for the second harmonics. Rather the DSP 106 only obtains the maximum frequency output for the second harmonics of the row frequency, M 3!, and the maximum frequency output for the second harmonics of the column frequency, M 4!, as shown in FIG. 5.

Steps 130 and 132--Static and Dynamic Thresholding

The DTMF detector system and method of the preferred embodiment performs both static thresholding and dynamic thresholding to improve the DTMF detector's functional dynamic range and noise immunity. This increases the functional input signal dynamic range and has greater speech/noise immunity, i.e., is more able to avoid detection triggered by speech or noise. The static and dynamic thresholding performed in steps 130 and 132 eliminate invalid DTMF tones based on both signal level and signal/noise ratio. The use of both static and dynamic thresholding allows a small static threshold to be selected, thus providing the DTMF detector with a wider dynamic range. The dynamic thresholding in step 132 essentially performs a signal/noise ratio estimate, preferably using the ratio between the maximum value in the group and the other values in the sub-array. The dynamic threshold performed in step 132 performs a threshold comparison with the computed signal/noise ratio, which effectively prevents noise or speech-triggered detection, i.e., provides better speech immunity.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a flowchart diagram illustrating operation of the static thresholding step 130 is shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the maximum values from the first two sub-arrays corresponding to the first harmonic row and column frequency values are received in the static thresholding step 130. As shown, in step 242 the DSP 106 determines if M(1)>Ts, i.e., if the maximum value of the first sub-array is greater than Ts. If not, then no detection occurs and operation completes. If M(1)>Ts in step 242, then in step 244 the DSP determines if the value M(2) is greater than Ts. If not, then again no detection is determined. If both M(1) and M(2) are greater than the threshold value Ts, then dynamic thresholding is performed on these values in step 132 of FIG. 2.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the dynamic thresholding step 132 is shown. As shown, the dynamic thresholding step computes signal to noise ratios using ratios of the maximum energy values M(1) and M(2) to the other energy values in each respective group.

As shown, the DSP 106 computes the ratio of the maximum value M(1) in the first sub-array to each of the other values in the first sub-array, referred to as A' u!, A' v!, and A' w!. These other values in the sub-array comprise the values in the first sub-array other than the maximum or M(1) value. Thus the dynamic thresholding step computes the ratio of the maximum value M(1) in the first sub-array to the other three values in the sub-array, i.e., three of the values of A' 1!, A' 2!, A' 3! and A' 4!, excluding the maximum of these values, which is referred to as M(1). These other three values are referred to as A' u!, A' v!, and A' w! in FIG. 7.

The dynamic thresholding step compares the above computed ratios with a threshold value Td. The ratio of the maximum value in the first sub-array to each of the other values in the first sub-array essentially computes the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the received signals. The dynamic thresholding ensures that the ratio of the maximum value M(1) in the first sub-array to each of the other values in the first sub-array, i.e., the signal to noise ratio, is greater than the threshold value Td. If the ratio of the maximum value M(1) in the first sub-array to any of the other values in the first sub-array is not greater than the threshold value Td, the DSP 106 sets a signal/noise ratio error, and thus no detection is indicated.

Likewise, the DSP 106 in step 132 computes the ratio of the maximum value M(2) in the second sub-array to each of the other values in the second sub-array, referred to as A' x!, A' y!, and A' z!. These other values in the sub-array comprise the values in the second sub-array other than the maximum or M(2) value. Thus the dynamic thresholding step computes the ratio of the maximum value M(2) in the second sub-array to the other three values in the sub-array, i.e., three of the values of A' 5!, A' 6!, A' 7! and A' 8!, excluding the maximum of these values, which is referred to as M(2). These other three values are referred to as A' x!, A' y!, and A' z! in FIG. 7.

The dynamic thresholding step compares the above computed ratios with the threshold value Td. As noted above, the ratio of the maximum value in the second sub-array to each of the other values in the second sub-array essentially computes the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the received signals. The dynamic thresholding ensures that the ratio of the maximum value M(2) in the second sub-array to each of the other values in the second sub-array, i.e., the signal to noise ratio, is greater than the threshold value Td. If the ratio of the maximum value M(2) in the second sub-array to any of the other values in the second sub-array is not greater than the threshold value Td, the DSP 106 sets a signal/noise ratio error, and thus no detection is indicated.

Thus, in FIG. 7 the DSP 106 compares the ratio of the maximum value M(1) to each of the other values in the sub-array with a value Td and sets a SNR error if any of the ratios is less than Td. Likewise, the DSP 106 compares the ratio of the maximum value M(2) to each of the other values in the sub-array with the value Td and sets the SNR error if any of the ratios is less than Td. Because Td=10.sup.(required SNR in dB/20), setting the SNR error means that either or both the column and row frequency values do not meet the required SNR. If the SNR error is set, no detection is indicated.

Thus the frequency domain values (A' 1, . . . ,16!) obtained through the Goertzel algorithm and gain adjustment are compared against thresholds using both static and dynamic techniques. In the preferred embodiment, the static threshold is set to 6 (which provides a theoretical functional dynamic range of over 50 dB) and the dynamic threshold is set to 4 (about 12 dB). This allows very small DTMF signals (wide dynamic range) to be detected, as long as the signals have an acceptable signal to noise ratio. This also effectively eliminates most idle channel noise, speech, and white noise.

As described above, the ratio of the maximum value in a sub-array to each of the other values in the sub-array essentially computes the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the received signals. The dynamic thresholding ensures that the ratio of the maximum value M(1) in the first sub-array to each of the other values in the first sub-array is greater than a threshold value. Likewise, the dynamic thresholding ensures that the ratio of the maximum value M(2) in the second sub-array to each of the other values in the second sub-array is greater than a threshold value. If either of the ratios is not greater than the threshold value, then a SNR error is set. Setting the SNR error means that either or both the column and row frequency values do not meet the required SNR. If the SNR error is set, no detection is indicated.

Step 134--Second Harmonic Thresholding

In step 134, the DSP 106 performs second harmonic thresholding to further examine the validity of the detected tones and eliminate speech triggered DTMF detection. This occurs before DTMF detection and usually is a continuous task for the DSP 106, even after the channel has been established. The human voice, especially the female voice, can have a large amount of energy components over 1000 Hz and can be mistaken as DTMF signal. Some music can also trigger DTMF detection. Thus speech detection and/or speech immunity is a very important criteria for evaluating the quality of a DTMF detector.

As discussed above, a real DTMF signal is the sum of two sinusoids and has two steep peaks in the frequency domain. Thus, a real DTMF signal does not have significant energy at second or higher harmonics. Speech on the other hand generally always has a significant amount of energy at the second and higher harmonics. This characteristic of speech make it easier to distinguish speech from DTMF signal. Thus the DTMF detector 102 examines the second harmonics of the fundamental DTMF frequency.

Prior art methods have conventionally examined the value of the second harmonics, A' 9, . . . ,16!. According to the present invention, the DSP 106 compares the second harmonics with the values at the fundamental harmonics, A' 1, . . . ,8!. The DSP 106 computes the ratio of M 1!/M 3! and M 2!/M 4!, and compares the results with a pre-set threshold.

It is noted that the ratio A' i!/A' i+8! (assuming A' i! is the biggest value in its group) is not used because, if the speech has some energy at a frequency x% away from the bin, its second harmonic will have a distance of 2x% from the second harmonic bin. Therefore, the DSP 106 uses the maximum value in the second harmonic group to provide an estimate of the energy at the second harmonics. This is beneficial to talk-off performance of the DTMF detector.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a flowchart diagram illustrating operation of the second harmonic thresholding performed in step 134 of FIG. 2 is shown. As shown, in FIG. 8 the DSP 106 compares the ratio of the maximum values of the first and second harmonics, M1/M3, with the threshold value Tsh, and also compares the ratio of the maximum values of the first and second harmonics of the column frequency, i.e., the ratio M2/M4, and determines if this value is greater than the threshold Tsh. If either of the ratios M1/M3 or M2/M4 are not greater than the threshold Tsh, then a speech error signal is generated indicating that the detected signal actually corresponds to speech and not to a DTMF signal.

Step 136--Guard Time Check

The preferred embodiment uses an improved guard time check method which overcomes the difficulty of meeting the guard-time performance requirement when using frame based processing methods (such as the Goertzel algorithm). The preferred embodiment also uses a larger cut-off duration value (but less than T1) as described below. A larger cut-off duration value provides better talk-off performance for the DTMF detector. This is because speech triggered `fake DTMF signals` tend to have a short duration, while also having a frequency domain energy presentation which appears like a DTMF signal.

The guard-time parameter requires that all DTMF signals having a duration longer than T1 be detected as valid DTMF tones, i.e., no misses are allowed), whereas all DTMF signals shorter than T2 (T2<T1) can not be detected as valid DTMF signals. All tones have a duration between T1 and T2 are `don't care` which means the detector has the flexibility to either detect or miss the signal. In general, it is deemed desirable to have a fixed cut-off value to warrant the guard-time performance.

The AT&T standard, and most other standards, require that any DTMF sequence longer than 40 ms must be accepted if it meets all other criteria. A DTMF sequence shorter than 20 ms should not be detected. Since the DTMF detector 102 of the preferred embodiment processes the speech sample as blocks, the DTMF detector 102 compares the maximum values(M 1! and M 2!) with the values from the previous and next frame to determine if the DTMF signal lasts at least 40 ms.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a flowchart diagram illustrating the guard time check operation performed in step 136 of FIG. 1 is shown. As shown, in step 312 the DSP 106 determines if the index values I 1! and I' 1! are equal and index values I 2! and I' 2! are equal. Thus, this step determines if the DTMF signal has lasted a certain period of time. More specifically, this step determines if the indices of maximum values in consecutive frames are identical. If so, then in step 314 the DSP 106 computes the ratio or gain of the maximum value from the current and prior frame for each of the row and column frequencies. In other words, in step 314 the DSP 106 computes:

    G(1)=M(1)/M'(1);

    G(2)=M(2)/M'(2);

In steps 316 and 318 the DSP 106 determines if the computed ratios G1 and G2 are within a range >1/TG and <TG.

If the DSP 106 detects a DTMF signal which meets all of the criteria described above in steps 130-134, then the DSP 106 compares the maximum values with the values at the previous frame only if the indices remain the same. If the ratio, i.e., the result of the division, of the maximum values from the current and prior frame is greater than the value Tg, then the signal passes the guard-time check. It is noted that the value Tg is a programmable value that can be changed to meet different guard-time requirements. The value Tg is preferably 2.5. Thus in step 136 of FIG. 2 the DTMF detector 102 determines if the detected signal is of sufficient length to actually be a DTMF signal.

If the guard time check fails, the DSP 106 waits for the computation of next frame and compares the maximum value of current frame with the maximum value in the next frame, also assuming that the row and column indices remain the same. If the result is greater than Tg, the signal still passes the guard-time check. If this comparison fails again, then the signal on the current frame fails the guard-time check and cannot be recognized as a valid DTMF signal.

Step 138--Twist Computation and Thresholding

If the signal passes all of the above steps, then the final stage of evaluation is the twist check. Like the other parameters described above, twist is another important criteria to eliminate unqualified signals. The twist of a DTMF signal is defined as the level difference in dB between the higher and the lower tone. ##EQU3## Thus, if the twist is positive, the higher frequency level tone (the column frequency) is greater than the lower frequency level tone (the row frequency). In this instance, the twist is called forward twist. If the twist is negative, i.e., if the higher frequency level tone (the column frequency) is less than the lower frequency level tone (the row frequency), then the twist is called backward twist. A telecom standard typically defines a twist allowance between a forward twist threshold and a backward twist threshold. For example, AT&T requires:

    -8 dB<twist<+4 dB

When a DTMF signal travels through a telephone channel, distortion and noise are added to the DTMF signal and cause phase delay, group delay and even severe amplitude distortion. These factors complicate the twist computation. Prior art detectors have performed a twist computation in each frame. However, as shown in FIG. 11, in many instances the transmitted tones are received or begin in the middle or at the end of a frame. Also, as shown in FIG. 11, the tone of one frequency may arrive at an earlier or later time than the tone of another frequency due to different time delays of different frequencies. This combination of occurrences can lead to an erroneous twist computation, thus affecting signal detection.

The DTMF detector 102, i.e., the DSP 106, performs a novel twist computation and thresholding method according to the present invention which more reliably eliminates unqualified signals. According to the preferred embodiment, the DTMF detector 102 performs a twist computation only when the signal becomes stable. The DSP 106 monitors the outputs M 1! and M 2!, which are the gain adjusted outputs from step 128, and only updates the twist value when both the higher and lower tone level in the current frame are greater then the tones in the previous frame, assuming that the row and column indexes, I 1! and I 2!, remain the same. This method is illustrated in FIG. 10 and is executed as the following pseudo-code:

    ______________________________________                                         IF I 1! == I' 1! AND I 2! == I' 2! THEN                                            IF M 1! > M' 1! AND M 2! > M' 2! THEN                                             Twist = 20log10 (M 2!/M 1!)                                                 ELSE                                                                              Twist = Twist'                                                              ENDIF                                                                      ENDIF                                                                          ______________________________________                                    

In practical implementation, only a linear twist value is computed to avoid logarithmic computation, and the linear twist value is then compared with linear twist thresholds to determine if the detection meets the twist requirement.

It is noted that, in the above pseudo-code, the term Twist' is the twist value for the previous frame. I' 1! is I 1! in the previous frame, I' 2! is I 2! in the previous frame, M' 1! is M 1! in the previous frame, and M' 2! is M 2! in the previous frame.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a flowchart diagram illustrating operation of the twist computation and thresholding method is shown. Here it is assumed that the DTMF detector 102 has received a plurality of digital samples of a received signal, wherein the received signal includes a plurality of tones. The plurality of tones comprise two or more tones from a plurality of different uncorrelated frequencies, wherein the plurality of different uncorrelated frequencies comprise one or more frequency groups, preferably two frequency groups. The DTMF detector 102 has also determined energy values for each of the different uncorrelated frequencies comprising the two frequency groups for the current frame being examined and has determined maximum energy values among the energy values for each of the two frequency groups.

As noted above, each of the computed energy values for the different uncorrelated frequencies have unique index values corresponding to one of the different uncorrelated frequencies. The method first determines if the maximum energy values for the current frame being examined have the same indices as the maximum energy values from a prior frame, preferably the immediately prior frame of the current frame being examined. If so, then the DSP 106 performs the twist computation and thresholding of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 10.

As shown in FIG. 10, the DSP 106 first compares each of the maximum energy values for said first frame with respective maximum energy values from a prior frame. More specifically, in step 402 the DSP 106 compares the maximum energy value M(1) of the current frame with the maximum energy value M'(1) of the prior frame. In step 404 the DSP 106 compares the maximum energy value M(2) of the current frame with the maximum energy value M'(2) of the prior frame. Thus in steps 402 and 404 the DSP 106 determines if the maximum energy values for the current frame are greater than the respective maximum energy values from the prior frame. If the M(1) and M(2) values of the current frame are greater than the M'(1) and M'(2) values of the prior frame, then in step 406 the DSP 106 calculates a twist value using the maximum energy values M(1) and M(2) for the current frame being examined. If either of the M(1) and M(2) values of the current frame are not greater than the M'(1) and M'(2) values of the prior frame, then in step 408 the DSP 106 sets the twist value for the current frame equal to the twist value from the prior frame.

After the twist value is determined, in step 410 the DSP 106 compares the twist value with one or more threshold values to determine if the twist value is within an acceptable range. In the preferred embodiment, the DSP 106 determines if -8 dB<twist<+4 dB. If the twist value is within an acceptable range, then the DSP 106 performs any other desired processing. If all other tests are satisfied, then the DSP 106 detects the plurality of tones in the received signal. If the twist value is not in an acceptable range in step 410, then the DSP 106 sets a twist error in step 412.

The present invention thus comprises a method for improving DTMF detection using improved twist computation and thresholding. This method provides more reliable twist computations than prior art methods, i.e., is more immune to transmission distortion and other distortion on the DTMF signals.

DTMF Receiver Results Using MITEL 7292 Test Tape

The following tests were performed on the DTMF detector of the present invention using the Mitel 7292 test tape.

Test 1: Frequency Distortion Allowance

    ______________________________________                                         Digit     1       5           9     D                                          ______________________________________                                         Low       +2.5%   +2.8%       +2.4% +2.2%                                      Band      -2.7%   -2.3%       -2.4% -2.0%                                      Group                                                                          High      +2.5%   +2.0%       +2.1% +2.0%                                      Band      -2.8%   -2.8%       -2.3% -2.0%                                      Group                                                                          ______________________________________                                    

Test 2: Twist Test

    ______________________________________                                         Digit      1       5         9     D                                           ______________________________________                                         Forward    +3.7 dB +3.7 dB   +3.5 dB                                                                              +3.7 dB                                     Twist                                                                          Backward   -8.0 dB -7.5 dB   -7.5 dB                                                                              -8.0 dB                                     Twist                                                                          ______________________________________                                    

Test 3: Dynamic Range Test

34 dB (maximum Input Signal dynamic range)

Test 4: Guard-time Test: 28.9 ms.

Test 5: Signal to Noise Ratio Test

    ______________________________________                                         Input SNR                                                                               24 dB         l8 dB    l2 dB                                          ______________________________________                                         Detection                                                                               1000/1000     1000/1000                                                                               1000/1000                                      ______________________________________                                    

Test 6: Talk-off Test:

6 hits (one real DTMF signal and five false detections).

System Requirements

Processing power: <1.2 MIPS.

ROM usage: 314 words.

RAM usage: 69 words.

Conclusion

Therefore, the present invention comprises a system and method for performing DTMF detection with improved speed and accuracy. The present invention performs an improved twist computation and thresholding method to provide more distortion tolerance for DTMF detection. The DTMF detector 102 of the present invention only has about 6 hits running the Mitel CM7291 standard test tape, whereas an algorithm which registers less than 10 hits is considered very good. The present invention also provides excellent performance in meeting other parameter criterias.

Although the system and method of the present invention has been described in connection with the preferred embodiment, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 

We claim:
 1. A method for detecting dual tone multifrequency (DTMF) signals with improved twist computation and thresholding, comprising:receiving a plurality of digital samples of a received signal, wherein said received signal includes a plurality of tones, wherein said plurality of tones comprise two or more tones from a plurality of different uncorrelated frequencies, wherein said plurality of different uncorrelated frequencies comprise two or more frequency groups; determining energy values for each of said different uncorrelated frequencies comprising said two or more frequency groups for a first frame; determining a maximum energy value among said energy values for said different uncorrelated frequencies for each of said two or more frequency groups for said first frame; comparing each of said maximum energy values for said first frame with respective maximum energy values from a prior frame; determining if said maximum energy values for each of said two or more frequency groups for said first frame are greater than said respective maximum energy values from said prior frame; and calculating a twist value using said maximum energy values for each of said two or more frequency groups for said first frame if said maximum energy values for each of said two or more frequency groups for said first frame are greater than said respective maximum energy values from said prior frame.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:setting said twist value for said first frame equal to a twist value for said prior frame if said maximum energy values for at least one of said two or more frequency groups for said first frame are not greater than said respective maximum energy values from said prior frame.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:comparing said twist value with one or more threshold values to determine if said twist value is within an acceptable range; and detecting said plurality of tones in said received signal only if said determining determines that said twist value is within said acceptable range.
 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising:setting a twist error if said determining determines that said twist value is not within said acceptable range.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said maximum energy values among said energy values for said different uncorrelated frequencies for said first frame are each associated with a respective one of said different uncorrelated frequencies; the method further comprising:determining if said maximum energy values for said prior frame are associated with said respective ones of said different uncorrelated frequencies; performing said comparing each of said maximum energy values for said first frame with respective maximum energy values from a prior frame, said determining if said maximum energy values for each of said two or more frequency groups for said first frame are greater than said respective maximum energy values from said prior frame, and said calculating a twist value, only if said maximum energy values for said prior frame are associated with said respective ones of said different uncorrelated frequencies.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein each of said energy values for said different uncorrelated frequencies have unique index values corresponding to one of said different uncorrelated frequencies;wherein said maximum energy values for said first frame each have a respective index; the method further comprising: determining if said maximum energy values for said prior frame have the same indices as said maximum energy values for said first frame; performing said comparing each of said maximum energy values for said first frame with respective maximum energy values from a prior frame, said determining if said maximum energy values for each of said two or more frequency groups for said first frame are greater than said respective maximum energy values from said prior frame, and said calculating a twist value, only if said maximum energy values for said prior frame have the same indices as said maximum energy values for said first frame.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said prior frame is the immediately prior frame of said first frame.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein said plurality of different uncorrelated frequencies comprise only two frequency groups, wherein said two frequency groups consist of a first frequency group and a second frequency group;wherein said determining a maximum energy value among said energy values for said different uncorrelated frequencies for each of said two or more frequency groups for said first frame comprises determining a maximum energy value for said first frequency group and determining a maximum energy value for said second frequency group; wherein said calculating a twist value includes calculating a ratio of said maximum energy value for said second frequency group to said maximum energy value for said first frequency group.
 9. A method for detecting dual tone multifrequency (DTMF) signals with improved twist computation and thresholding, comprising:receiving a plurality of digital samples of a received signal, wherein said received signal includes a plurality of tones, wherein said plurality of tones comprise two or more tones from a plurality of different uncorrelated frequencies, wherein said plurality of different uncorrelated frequencies comprise two or more frequency groups; determining energy values for each of said different uncorrelated frequencies comprising said two or more frequency groups for a first frame; determining a maximum energy value among said energy values for said different uncorrelated frequencies for each of said two or more frequency groups for said first frame; comparing each of said maximum energy values for said first frame with respective maximum energy values from a prior frame; determining if said maximum energy values for each of said two or more frequency groups for said first frame are greater than said respective maximum energy values from said prior frame; and setting said twist value for said first frame equal to a twist value for said prior frame if said maximum energy values for at least one of said two or more frequency groups for said first frame are not greater than said respective maximum energy values from said prior frame.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:calculating a twist value using said maximum energy values for each of said two or more frequency groups for said first frame if said maximum energy values for each of said two or more frequency groups for said first frame are greater than said respective maximum energy values from said prior frame.
 11. A dual tone multifrequency detector for detecting dual tone multifrequency (DTMF) signals, comprising:means for receiving a plurality of digital samples of a received signal, wherein said received signal includes a plurality of tones, wherein said plurality of tones comprise two or more tones from a plurality of different uncorrelated frequencies, wherein said plurality of different uncorrelated frequencies comprise two or more frequency groups; a digital signal processor for calculating a frequency spectrum on said plurality of digital samples for each of said plurality of different uncorrelated frequencies, wherein said digital signal processor determines energy values for each of said different uncorrelated frequencies comprising said two or more frequency groups for a first frame; wherein said digital signal processor determines a maximum energy value among said different uncorrelated frequencies for each of said two or more frequency groups for said first frame and compares each of said maximum energy values for said first frame with respective maximum energy values from a prior frame; wherein said digital signal processor determines if said maximum energy values for each of said two or more frequency groups for said first frame are greater than said respective maximum energy values from said prior frame; wherein said digital signal processor calculates a twist value using said maximum energy values for each of said two or more frequency groups for said first frame if said maximum energy values for each of said two or more frequency groups for said first frame are greater than said respective maximum energy values from said prior frame.
 12. The dual tone multifrequency detector of claim 11,wherein said digital signal processor sets said twist value for said first frame equal to a twist value for said prior frame if said maximum energy values for at least one of said two or more frequency groups for said first frame are not greater than said respective maximum energy values from said prior frame.
 13. The dual tone multifrequency detector of claim 11, wherein said digital signal processor compares said twist value with one or more threshold values to determine if said twist value is within an acceptable range; andwherein said dual tone multifrequency detector detects said plurality of tones in said received signal only if said digital signal processor determines that said twist value is within said acceptable range.
 14. The dual tone multifrequency detector of claim 13, wherein said digital signal processor sets a twist error if said twist value is not within said acceptable range.
 15. The dual tone multifrequency detector of claim 11, wherein said maximum energy values among said energy values for said different uncorrelated frequencies for said first frame are each associated with a respective one of said different uncorrelated frequencies;wherein said digital signal processor determines if said maximum energy values for said prior frame are associated with said respective ones of said different uncorrelated frequencies; performing said comparing each of said maximum energy values for said first frame with respective maximum energy values from a prior frame, said determining if said maximum energy values for each of said two or more frequency groups for said first frame are greater than said respective maximum energy values from said prior frame, and said calculating a twist value, only if said maximum energy values for said prior frame are associated with said respective ones of said different uncorrelated frequencies.
 16. The dual tone multifrequency detector of claim 11, wherein each of said energy values for said different uncorrelated frequencies have unique index values corresponding to one of said different uncorrelated frequencies;wherein said maximum energy values for said first frame each have a respective index; the method further comprising: determining if said maximum energy values for said prior frame have the same indices as said maximum energy values for said first frame; performing said comparing each of said maximum energy values for said first frame with respective maximum energy values from a prior frame, said determining if said maximum energy values for each of said two or more frequency groups for said first frame are greater than said respective maximum energy values from said prior frame, and said calculating a twist value, only if said maximum energy values for said prior frame have the same indices as said maximum energy values for said first frame.
 17. The dual tone multifrequency detector of claim 11, wherein said prior frame is the immediately prior frame of said first frame.
 18. The dual tone multifrequency detector of claim 11, wherein said plurality of different uncorrelated frequencies comprise only two frequency groups, wherein said two frequency groups consist of a first frequency group and a second frequency group;wherein said determining a maximum energy value among said energy values for said different uncorrelated frequencies for each of said two or more frequency groups for said first frame comprises determining a maximum energy value for said first frequency group and determining a maximum energy value for said second frequency group; wherein said calculating a twist value includes calculating a ratio of said maximum energy value for said first frequency group and said maximum energy value for said second frequency group.
 19. A dual tone multifrequency detector for detecting dual tone multifrequency (DTMF) signals, comprising:means for receiving a plurality of digital samples of a received signal, wherein said received signal includes a plurality of tones, wherein said plurality of tones comprise two or more tones from a plurality of different uncorrelated frequencies, wherein said plurality of different uncorrelated frequencies comprise two or more frequency groups; a digital signal processor for calculating a frequency spectrum on said plurality of digital samples for each of said plurality of different uncorrelated frequencies, wherein said digital signal processor determines energy values for each of said different uncorrelated frequencies comprising said two or more frequency groups for a first frame; wherein said digital signal processor determines a maximum energy value among said different uncorrelated frequencies for each of said two or more frequency groups for said first frame and compares each of said maximum energy values for said first frame with respective maximum energy values from a prior frame; wherein said digital signal processor determines if said maximum energy values for each of said two or more frequency groups for said first frame are greater than said respective maximum energy values from said prior frame; wherein said digital signal processor sets said twist value for said first frame equal to a twist value for said prior frame if said maximum energy values for at least one of said two or more frequency groups for said first frame are not greater than said respective maximum energy values from said prior frame.
 20. The dual tone multifrequency detector of claim 19,wherein said digital signal processor calculates a twist value using said maximum energy values for each of said two or more frequency groups for said first frame if said maximum energy values for each of said two or more frequency groups for said first frame are greater than said respective maximum energy values from said prior frame.
 21. A method for detecting multi tone multifrequency (MTMF) signals, comprising:receiving a plurality of digital samples of a received signal, wherein said received signal includes a plurality of tones, wherein said plurality of tones comprise two or more tones from a plurality of different uncorrelated frequencies, wherein said plurality of different uncorrelated frequencies comprise one or more frequency groups; determining energy values for each of said different uncorrelated frequencies comprising said one or more frequency groups for a first frame; determining a maximum energy value among said energy values for said different uncorrelated frequencies for each of said one or more frequency groups for said first frame; comparing each of said maximum energy values for said first frame with respective maximum energy values from a prior frame; determining if said maximum energy values for each of said one or more frequency groups for said first frame are greater than said respective maximum energy values from said prior frame; and calculating a twist value using said maximum energy values for each of said one or more frequency groups for said first frame if said maximum energy values for each of said one or more frequency groups for said first frame are greater than said respective maximum energy values from said prior frame.
 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising:setting said twist value for said first frame equal to a twist value for said prior frame if said maximum energy values for at least one of said one or more frequency groups for said first frame are not greater than said respective maximum energy values from said prior frame.
 23. The method of claim 21, further comprising:comparing said twist value with one or more threshold values to determine if said twist value is within an acceptable range; and detecting said plurality of tones in said received signal only if said determining determines that said twist value is within said acceptable range.
 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising:setting a twist error if said determining determines that said twist value is not within said acceptable range.
 25. The method of claim 21, wherein said maximum energy values among said energy values for said different uncorrelated frequencies for said first frame are each associated with a respective one of said different uncorrelated frequencies; the method further comprising:determining if said maximum energy values for said prior frame are associated with said respective ones of said different uncorrelated frequencies; performing said comparing each of said maximum energy values for said first frame with respective maximum energy values from a prior frame, said determining if said maximum energy values for each of said one or more frequency groups for said first frame are greater than said respective maximum energy values from said prior frame, and said calculating a twist value, only if said maximum energy values for said prior frame are associated with said respective ones of said different uncorrelated frequencies.
 26. The method of claim 21, wherein each of said energy values for said different uncorrelated frequencies have unique index values corresponding to one of said different uncorrelated frequencies;wherein said maximum energy values for said first frame each have a respective index; the method further comprising: determining if said maximum energy values for said prior frame have the same indices as said maximum energy values for said first frame; performing said comparing each of said maximum energy values for said first frame with respective maximum energy values from a prior frame, said determining if said maximum energy values for each of said two or more frequency groups for said first frame are greater than said respective maximum energy values from said prior frame, and said calculating a twist value, only if said maximum energy values for said prior frame have the same indices as said maximum energy values for said first frame.
 27. The method of claim 21, wherein said prior frame is the immediately prior frame of said first frame.
 28. A multi tone multifrequency detector for detecting multi tone multifrequency (MTMF) signals, comprising:means for receiving a plurality of digital samples of a received signal, wherein said received signal includes a plurality of tones, wherein said plurality of tones comprise two or more tones from a plurality of different uncorrelated frequencies, wherein said plurality of different uncorrelated frequencies comprise one or more frequency groups; a digital signal processor for calculating a frequency spectrum on said plurality of digital samples for each of said plurality of different uncorrelated frequencies, wherein said digital signal processor determines energy values for each of said different uncorrelated frequencies comprising said one or more frequency groups; wherein said digital signal processor determines a maximum energy value among said different uncorrelated frequencies for each of said one or more frequency groups for said first frame and compares each of said maximum energy values for said first frame with respective maximum energy values from a prior frame; wherein said digital signal processor determines if said maximum energy values for each of said one or more frequency groups for said first frame are greater than said respective maximum energy values from said prior frame; wherein said digital signal processor calculates a twist value using said maximum energy values for each of said one or more frequency groups for said first frame if said maximum energy values for each of said one or more frequency groups for said first frame are greater than said respective maximum energy values from said prior frame.
 29. The multi tone multifrequency detector of claim 28,wherein said digital signal processor sets said twist value for said first frame equal to a twist value for said prior frame if said maximum energy values for at least one of said one or more frequency groups for said first frame are not greater than said respective maximum energy values from said prior frame. 